The Village of Cumberland is marking a major step forward with the completion of key upgrades to its wastewater treatment system.

Phase 1 of the project is now finished and fully operational, bringing improvements designed to better protect the environment and meet provincial and federal standards.

The work focused on upgrading the existing lagoon system, including the addition of UV disinfection, improved wastewater screening, changes to flow paths, and added aeration.

The project also included a new operator’s building, along with upgraded instrumentation and site security.

Village officials say the new system will meet, and in some cases exceed, regulatory treatment requirements.

Mayor Vickey Brown says the upgrades are critical to the long-term health of the community and surrounding environment, noting the project has been years in the making and involved collaboration with K’ómoks First Nation.

Construction on the project began in 2023 following long-term planning by the Village.

Work is already moving ahead on Phase 2, which is currently going through environmental assessment and permitting.

That phase is expected to include wetland enhancements, seismic upgrades, and improvements to Maple Creek.

The project is being supported through multiple funding sources, including more than $3.8 million from the federal government and over $3.2 million from the province through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Additional funding has also come from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Canada Community Building Fund.

Residents looking for more information or updates on the project can visit Village of Cumberland.